Assumptions are beliefs taken for granted. They are so natural and involuntary they usually do not enter our consciousness. We assume that when we get out of bed, the floor will be beneath us and that when we mail a letter the intended recipient will receive it.
However, there are also assumptions we make that may not be valid. For example, we may assume that someone is angry with us by the manner in which that person speaks to us. Yet it could be that the person is feeling frustrated by an event entirely unconnected to us and is simply “taking it out” on the first person encountered—in this case, you.
You have your yearly routine health exam with the assumption that all tests ordered are routine and the results will be favorable; or you can assume that, since the doctor is ordering tests, there will be something wrong. The significant point to remember is that once we understand that we are making an assumption, we can consciously decide if it serves us well. This understanding gives us more control over our lives and, therefore, can reduce our stress.
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